The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen

(BLET) National Division is asking members, families, and friends to call their Representatives and ask for support of the bipartisan "Protecting American Railroad Workers Jobs Act of 2026" (H.R. 8468), which was introduced by Representatives Lance Gooden (R-TX) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) in coordination with BLET.

The bill requires that train crew changes happen at the international border between the U.S. and Mexico, mandating that only U.S. locomotive engineers operate trains within the U.S coming from Mexico. This legislation would protect communities like Laredo and Eagle Pass, Texas, where federal waivers have allowed train crews based in Mexico to steal U.S. jobs. This legislation (H.R.

8468) would override those waivers and permanently protect the jobs of BLET members. Click here (PDF) to see the text of the bill.

BLET National President Mark Wallace said, "In repeated visits to the southern border, I heard one consistent message from BLET members: railroad jobs in America should be done by Americans."

The BLET needs support from as many Representatives as possible to ensure that this commonsense legislation passes. BLET members are needed to reach out to their elected Representatives on the importance of cosponsoring the legislation. The union also is asking all active and retired BLET members, their family and friends, and the BLET Auxiliary to contact their Representatives today so BLET can build enough support within the U.S.

House of Representatives to get the legislation passed.

Options are available to either call or send an email to your Representative. Click here and Take Action today: https://blet.org/take-action/#/24